In God We Trust
The four words, In God we trust, are found on the coins and printed monies of the United States of America. This profession of faith in God has been, and is, a powerful witness in this world to the one true God, and surely God Himself is pleased to have such a testimony. Especially is this so when we consider that much of the world uses American money. So these four words, In God we trust, are publicly read wherever there is even a limited acquaintance with English.
Now let us, each one for himself, think about what it means to trust in God. We who belong to God by faith in Christ Jesus should consider just how much we do trust God. Do we trust Him for everything? Certainly for salvation we do trust Him, but do we in the lesser things of life?
Psa. 40:44Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. (Psalm 40:4) says, "Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust." It is instructive for us to see the progress in Psa. 56. First it says in verse 3, "What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee." Then in verse 11 we read, "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
As to money, there is a warning for us in 1 Tim. 6:1717Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; (1 Timothy 6:17). We quote: "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God." In Mark 10:2424And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:24) Jesus said unto them, "Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!" Are we those that trust in uncertain riches, or do we "trust in the living God, who is the Savior [Preserver] of all men, specially of those that believe"? 1 Tim. 4:1010For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10).
It is one thing to trust in God, and it is quite another thing to trust God. No matter what the circumstances around us, we should always trust God. Paul is a wonderful example for us in this. When God revealed to him the coming shipwreck, he could say, "I believe God." All that God says is true. Faith in Him is never disappointed.
The other side of this is, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." Heb. 3:1212Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12). God accuses Israel and says to them in Jer. 2:2727Saying to a stock, Thou art my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned their back unto me, and not their face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us. (Jeremiah 2:27), "They have turned their back unto Me, and not their face." Surely that was unbelief and departing from the living God. Would any of us who are God's people today do such a thing?
C. Buchanan